Two Myanmar men on trial for attempting to abduct compatriot in Pasir Ris carpark
The trial for two Myanmar nationals who allegedly attempted to abduct a compatriot in a Pasir Ris multi-storey carpark two years ago began in court on Wednesday (2 August).
Zaw Min Hlaing, 39, a Singapore permanent resident, and Phyo Min Naing, 33, are accused of attempting to abduct Singapore permanent resident Aye Maung Maung Thet, 29, on 21 June 2015 to wrongfully confine him. The two were originally charged in June 2015 with one count each of abetment by conspiracy to murder Thet.
Zaw also faces one count of possessing a stun gun without authorisation on 21 June 2015, one count of possessing a foldable knife with a 4cm blade on 22 June 2015, and four charges related to motor vehicles. In addition to his abduction charge, Phyo faces one count of possessing a stun gun and another count of possessing a can of pepper spray, both on 21 June 2015.
Two other Myanmar nationals, Win Kyaw Kyaw Aung, 33, and Yae Wynnt Oaung, 33, were also involved in the incident. Aung, who was cited in past media reports as the mastermind of a plot to murder Aye, fled Singapore and is still at large. Yae, who was said to have schemed with the three others to abduct Aye, was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by the State Courts in December 2015.
Zaw and Phyo allegedly tasered Aye in the carpark, located at block 747A Pasir Ris Street 7, on 21 June at about 9.32pm, according to past media reports. Aye allegedly told the police that the men fled when he attracted the attention of passers-by after he cried for help.
According to court documents, the police managed to trace a van that was involved in the incident to a vehicle rental company, which told them that Zaw was the registered driver of the van. Zaw was arrested when he returned to the rental company on 22 June.
Following Zaw’s arrest, the police went to a chalet at Aloha Changi and arrested Phyo and Yae. The police also seized exhibits such as a meat mincer, a chainsaw, kitchen knives, plastic sheets and cable ties from the chalet, which was said to have been the place Phyo and Zaw intended to confine Aye.
The trial is slated to last until 4 August.
